IT01.39 Warfighter Assessment

COALITION WARRIOR INTEROPERABILITY DEMONSTRATION 2006 FINAL REPORT

IT01.39

FIRST Responder INTERoperable COMMunications
(First InterComm)

warfighter/Operator RESULTS

IT01.39 ASSESSMENT COMPONENTS
WARFIGHTER | TECHNICAL INTEROPERABILITY | INFORMATION ASSURANCE | SEIWG
(If a text entry is not linked, there is no assessment in that category for this trial)

PERFORMANCE

First Responder Interoperable Communications (First InterComm TM), IT01.39, successfully demonstrated voice interoperability through open mobile communications between Communities of Interest (COI) and aided the warfighter in command and control decision-making. First InterComm provided communication interoperability to National Guard, State and Federal Agency first responders with a reliable temporary Incident Area Network (IAN), which bridged dissimilar radios operating on different frequencies. First InterComm is a shoebox size, light weight unit that is very easy to use and only requires vehicle battery power (12 volt, 50 watt) to establish a remote mesh network. The power supply on the First InterComm unit was compatible with all vehicles. First InterComm provided an inexpensive commercial off the shelf (COTS) hardware that enhanced interoperability.

During CWID execution, all first responders were in vehicles equipped with a First InterComm unit and communicated successfully with their own dissimilar equipment. The Incident Commander (IC) connected to the IAN and separated responders into individual talk groups, maintaining command and control within all COI. The IC also confirmed that the communications path was properly configured and participants communicated effectively with their own dissimilar radio systems. First InterComm used digital technology to transmit messages through the mesh network enhancing Homeland Defense/Homeland Security’s (HLD/HLS) mission. First InterComm did not operate in a multi-secure environment during the demonstration. With user-friendly technology, First InterComm received analog or digital voice and translated the signal into Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) packets. The signal was then transmitted to another First InterComm unit where it was translated back to analog or digital voice depending on the responder’s radio system. First InterComm improved voice capabilities with crisp, clear, audible voice communications.

Assessment Level

Four warfighters evaluated First InterComm through JDCAT questionnaires at USNORTHCOM Peterson AFB, CO. All warfighters that provided background biographies were well qualified to operate/interact with the First InterComm trial.

Technical Support/Training

All warfighters reported that First InterComm’s technical representatives provided excellent training while demonstrating equipment operations and software. Trial representatives also provided user manuals and IC talk group software guides. Warfighters quickly completed the training as the system was very easy to learn. On-site technical support at USNORTHCOM assisted warfighters with any technical issues. Warfighters ranged from active duty military, police, fighter fighters, and other first responder civilians and each found First InterComm’s technology to be simplistic and intuitive. The equipment was configured for easy installation into each participating vehicle.

CAPABILITIES/FINDINGS

CREATE A COHESIVE COMMAND AND CONTROL RELATIONSHIP WITH AND BETWEEN MILITARY, COALITION AND NON-MILITARY ACTIVITIES FOR IMMEDIATE IMPROVED SITUATIONAL AWARENESS First InterComm flawlessly bridged the gap between dissimilar radios using digital, push to talk, commercial off the shelf (COTS) technology and improved command and control (C2) voice capabilities. All MSEL events were effortlessly executed demonstrating the simplistic technology’s ability to aid interoperability between first responders using dissimilar radios. Communications were quickly and effortlessly established using vehicle power enabling the remote mesh network at the incident scene. Utilizing standard radios, first responders were connected together regardless of differences in equipment or frequencies. As the Incident Commander arrived on the scene, talk groups were created and isolated. Separate communications between talk groups were established enhancing situational awareness as well as C2 during the demonstration. First InterComm exhibited interoperability without any difficulty as each first responder experienced clear, static free, accurate voice communications.

The IC used a PC notebook with First InterComm software installed to create and join the separate talk groups. Functionality consisted of clicking on the “groups” button to establish individual talk groups. After responders were assigned to a group, the IC applied and saved those settings. Radio checks were performed with all participants ensuring interoperability within the tactical working groups. The IC reported that talk groups were easy to set up, maintain and manipulate. Initiation of different talk groups enabled separate communications within the group while monitoring all communications.

First InterComm provided First Responders with a reliable wireless communication which was clear and audible between disparate radios. The scenario events were clear and relevant to demonstrating First InterComm’s capabilities and interoperability with each disparate radio. Participants were very satisfied and reported few recommendations to enhance the technology.

WARFIGHTER/Operator PERSPECTIVE

All warfighters found First InterComm’s technology trouble free, straightforward and effortless to use. All reported vehicle power was sufficient to establish the remote mesh network at the incident scene and transmit voice to other units. No system problems were encountered during CWID 2006 and the trials’ capabilities and functions were performed and displayed as advertised. All warfighters support fielding and were extremely satisfied with First InterComm’s potential. All participants agreed First InterComm was reliable, stable and possessed superior technology to execute the mission than other applications in use today.

WARFIGHTER/Operator COMMENTS

“Cheap, easy to use, and convenient. Brings together multiple agencies in a split second.”

“First InterComm is a very viable tool for all first responders.”

“Push to talk and there you go.”

“First InterComm is very user friendly.”

“First InterComm allows agencies to achieve interoperability while utilizing their existing communications assets.”

“The easiest thing I’ve used during CWID. If you can use a radio, you’re good to go.”

CONCLUSIONS

First InterComm enhanced open mobile command and control voice communication by bridging the disparity between dissimilar radios first responders, Incident Commanders, Department of Defense and HLS/HLD personnel. It allowed dissimilar radios operating on different frequencies to effectively communicate without the aid of a dispatcher or operator. Compact, shoebox size, with a magnetic antenna for easy setup, First InterComm was installed in participating vehicles operating solely on vehicle power. User friendly digital technology enhanced the voice communications clarity between all military and non-military dissimilar radios. Interoperability was established and demonstrated. The temporary incident area network allowed participants to communicate efficiently and effectively with their own equipment.

First InterComm assists all personnel in any type of incident; large or small. It is a cost-effective and uses standard digital technology to link disparate radio without additional equipment, major infrastructures, or towers.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Provide totally hands free equipment.
Investigate incorporating cellular phones into the mesh network.
Develop portable units for transport to areas inaccessible to vehicles.
Develop transmit power for a handheld radio.
Develop a system to provide secure voice communications.

IT01.39 ASSESSMENT COMPONENTS
WARFIGHTER | TECHNICAL INTEROPERABILITY | INFORMATION ASSURANCE | SEIWG
(If a text entry is not linked, there is no assessment in that category for this trial)

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COALITION WARRIOR INTEROPERABILITY DEMONSTRATION 2006 FINAL REPORT